At a special on site briefing June 10, local media reps heard the details of a new $100,000 bequest from the estate of Donna Vera Bushell this morning. The gift will make it possible for us to undertake a wide range of updates to the elevated park and associated trails, all now part of the Trans Canada Trail. These include:
BIGGER: the planting of mature trees along the western trail, now to be known as The Arboretum Line. The linear park will feature hundreds of native trees and shrubs along a 3.5km route.
BRIGHTER: will allow for the full electrification of the park and the eastern approach, including pathway lighting for safety. The addition of electricity will allow us to install a planned state of the art video surveillance system.
GREENER: The donation also enables the installation of grass on the bridge structure. Sort of a "living roof" floating 100 feet over Kettle Creek valley.
An additional bequest was made to the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre to install reproductions of art from its permanent collection at the Elevated Park and on trails at both Dalewood and Springwater conservation areas. This is a great community-boosting donation. Our thanks to the estate executors as well as to the Elgin St. Thomas Community Foundation and to Andrew Gunn as consultant to the estate.